​Central Ward

Vicki Etheridge: The river is by far one of our greatest assets. We have an obligation to protect and look after it. Hence my stance on dumping of rubbish. We need the ability to name, shame and fine dumpers. If we don't bring back our weekly garbage pick-up we will see dumping at unprecedented levels. Rubbish in the streets is finding its way to the river. I will be asking for a full report on stormwater systems to make sure we are doing everything we can to stop rubbish from entering our waterways.

John Ryan: I've called for the establishment of a Macquarie River Committee of Council, led by the community, which directs DRC how it can best help in this area.

The river is the thread that joins Wellington to Dubbo and is vitally important for that reason alone. Revegetation, establishing reed beds to filter nutrients, fixing the Burrendong curtain to prevent cold water pollution, getting rid of the carp - so many things can be done.

The major on-ground environmental project in the DRC area is rehabilitating the Bell Junction at Wellington, where much of the erosive damage has been done by council decisions and projects, an area which sends thousands of tonnes of nutrients downstream to Dubbo.

I've been in extensive talks with the Environmental Trust, Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council, Inland Waterways and other groups to get Peter Andrews up here to fix the problem and stabilise the banks to fix the problems.

Josh Black: John Ryan is the guru of the river and his visionary ideas include: gross pollutant traps (GPTs) at all stormwater outlets into the river; the establishment of a Macquarie River Committee of Council, led by community, which directs DRC how it can best help in this area.

Greg Matthews: The river needs work from Bathurst to the marshes while we need to do as much as possible to stop pollutants entering the Macquarie in the Dubbo and Wellington council area. We also need to work with councils upstream to reduce/stop the pollutants coming down to us from above. Dubbo should form a group of Macquarie River councils to work on addressing the pollutants through regulation and engineering, i.e. more properly maintained GPTs the entire length of the river. The problem does not start and finish at Dubbo.

Kris Stevens: I recognise how valuable the river is to our local environment and the need to nurture and protect it. However, I don’t claim to have all the answers. I would be advised by River Smart, Dubbo Field Nats and other similar organisations that have the knowledge and expertise required to ensure the river remains one of our treasured assets for generations to come.

South Ward

Greg Mohr: I think we have some extremely dedicated community groups which go beyond their call of duty to keep one of Dubbo’s main assets in working order. On the previous council I attended community meetings as I was concerned about the lack of funding and consultation with these dedicated groups that keep the Macquarie from falling into a deteriorating mess.

The council needs to support these community groups and listen to the advice they are offering. Funding also needs to be made available to help them achieve common goals like keeping the rubbish from entering the river by installing GPTs. Close consultation between all parties with information and resource sharing should be put in place to benefit this great asset so this river can shine proud and people and visitors can use it to their full advantage.

Manny Portelli: This is a ……. very complex issue as there are varying factors. The last time we interfered in the river in 2007-2008 a lot of baby hatchlings died due to flooding of the marshes. I am a big supporter in the conservation of our waterways as, living on a property, I know the importance of water. One way to look after it is less pollution. Also there is the cold water issue that is affecting the fish near the wall of Burrendong Dam. Also illegal pumping. 

Douglas Prior: Keep it flowing well, better regulate irrigation usage, improve the natural environment with tree planting and restocking native fish, prosecute people who misuse it. 

Kevin Parker: Apart from a constant flow of water I would have to review a list of problems, if any, as identified.

North Ward

Ben Shields: We need to fast track the GPT installation program to have them built and completed as soon as possible. It has taken far too long for these rubbish collection traps to be installed. Wellington and Dubbo must have these in place not only for our own environment, but also for the communities downstream.

Merrilyn Mulcahy:  The river is a very important part of our region. It is our lifeblood. It must be maintained totally free of pollution and over-use and remain a source of useable water and recreation.

Jane Diffey: Dubbo Macquarie River Bushcare, Dubbo Field Naturalists and Inland Waterways are all community groups moving mountains to repair and maintain the river. We are fortunate to have the River Repair Bus, which I believe is one of a kind, that sees volunteers planting trees and cleaning up our river. There needs to be greater support of these groups from council and a focus on upgrading and installing new GPTs.

East Ward

Dayne Gumley: GPTs are at the top of most environmental groups’ wish list. That seems an obvious one. However, council can also assist volunteer groups or even take the lead in providing direction to make our river and its surrounds a great place for locals to spend time and an attraction for tourists.

This is an issue for more than one council area and also requires some pressure on State and Federal governments to assist. 

Stephen Lawrence: Increasingly Dubbo is embracing the river. Fishing, kayaking, the walkway and dragon boating are just examples. This is a positive thing because it increases awareness of the need to maintain and puts more ‘eyes on’ the river. Much is already being done, including by community groups like Bushcare. Council must encourage and support them. New developments need to be encouraged to install GPTs near the sources of rubbish. I am interested in ways we can develop pop-up businesses such as cafes alongside the river and increase its use and amenity without compromising its condition. 

Cody Jones: The river is a very important asset for the region. However, pollution and rubbish dumping are impacting it. I think we need to do two things: develop education for residents within the region to talk about pollution and rubbish dumping; and increase fines for rubbish dumping in the river. I think these two things will help to protect the river and ensure that it is still here for future generations to enjoy.

Ana Pateman: The river needs to be developed and used to promote our region. By cleaning up the banks and removing some of the snags, we can make a water thoroughfare to enable all types of water activities to occur in summer.

Marketing both Wellington and Dubbo for river sports will encourage its use and result in it being in an excellent condition for all to enjoy.

Chris Edwards: I would like to investigate the possibility of raising the existing weir or constructing a new one to raise the river level in the area of the CBD so the area adjacent is developed for more public use e.g. restaurants, concerts etc. If the level could be held a few metres above where it is now it would encourage more rowing, paddling and boating sports.    

Wellington Ward

Jacob Perry: Illegal dumping of waste in the river must stop. As to the recklessness of those who have too much time on their hands to unnecessarily dump shopping trolleys in the river, there must be zero tolerance for such behaviour and dumping in the river will probably become more likely with the introduction of this ridiculous ideological third bin. … the outrageous removal of willow trees from the river that the likes of the former Wellington Council funded with ratepayers money must cease at once.

David Grant: Storm water traps, safe access points, tree plantings are a few things to keep in the best condition. I would like to see more river trails in particular around Wellington to allow people to enjoy our natural treasure.

Nine candidates had not responded by publication time: Lisa James, Tyler Przerada, Nathan Ellis, Nikki Catelotti, Shayne Stiff, Anne Jones, Mark Griggs, Mike Augee and Adam Ryan.